Naptime Yet?

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand."
Ephesians 6:10-13

I am amazed that we don't walk through each day looking skeptically around corners and into each room as we enter. We don't know when we will need our armor. But I think what amazes me about this verse most is that not only do we need God's armor for the actual battle, but also for the aftermath, when we are left alive to heal our wounds and pick up the pieces.

Maybe that's why I find it so hard lately to feel the strength I know is within. I'm worn from the heavy armor and rough battle. My wounds are deep and healing at different paces. I'm still standing, and I'm weak, tired and overwhelmed when I look at the rebuilding that needs to happen as I move forward post-war feeling defeated...yet I survived. I needed this reminder that it is not yet time to remove my armor, but in fact, it's time to hold tight to it and rely on it all the more. "...and after you have done everything, to stand." Amen